Beef lifetime assurance consultation statement

Further update on Red Tractor consultation on lifetime assurance for beef

Recent press reports about the results of the industry consultation on lifetime assurance for beef are factually misleading and extremely disappointing.

Quoting the personal views of certain individuals who are opposed to the proposals will only serve to propagate misinformation and inflame matters.

We categorically stated – and reiterate once again – that any progress we make on the issue will be done carefully in full consultation with our key partners and trade associations in the supply chain. Indeed we have already begun a dialogue with the NBA.

The consensus of the independently assessed consultation confirmed our view that the delivery of lifetime assurance for beef continues to be an important objective to protect the integrity of the Red Tractor brand.

Our intention was never to rush into this, but to work closely with industry to achieve the move to lifetime assurance in a way that does not disrupt supply and is completed within a realistic timescale, at minimum costs to all links in the supply chain, not least farmers.